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CNN Live Today

Answering E-Mails Questions About Breast Cancer; Michael Jackson's Lawyers Going to Try to Get Evidence Thrown Out, Bail Reduced

Aired October 14, 2004 - 11:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back to CNN LIVE TODAY. I'm Rick Sanchez.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Daryn Kagan.

Let's take a look at what is happening now in the news. It is Thursday, October 14th. President Bush attends a post-debate rally with Republican governors in Las Vegas today. Live coverage on CNN in about 90 minutes. The president will also campaign in Oregon a little bit later today.

Democratic challenger John Kerry is following up on last night debate's themes in a speech to the AARP this afternoon. The president will be in Las Vegas as well, but he is sending first lady Laura Bush to represent before the senior's group.

U.S. warplanes targeted two sites in Fallujah, Iraq today. American commanders linked both to insurgent leader Abu Musab Al Zarqawi. Iraqi officials are threatening an assault on Fallujah unless townspeople turn over Al Zarqawi.

And two explosions rock Baghdad today, killing five people. The cafe and markets were targets.

Keeping you informed, CNN is the most trusted name in news.

He was a U.S. citizen labeled an enemy combatant by his own government. Now Yasser Hamdi says he's not bitter about being jailed for three years in the United States. The Bush administration released Hamdi this week to Saudi Arabia, where he talked exclusively to CNN about this new freedom.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

YASER HAMDI, FMR. ENEMY COMBATANT: It feels great. It feels outstanding. And I can't really describe my feelings, especially after meeting with my parents, with (INAUDIBLE) more than three years -- more than three years being away from them. And it's something that I really can't describe at all.

And it's just -- to be locked down, then be given your freedom, you really know what the meaning of freedom. But when you be free before, you know, you really don't feel it. They take it away from you, and they give it to you back, you feel it, and it's something real different. I really want to say for the people that I was really hoping that my case would be solved earlier than that. I was hoping that the people and the American government would understand and take my case more seriously. And I was hoping that this would go more faster than the court system. And I was hoping to reach the Supreme Court faster and they would look at my case, because I believe that I was innocent, and I was locked down for the wrong reason.

I believe that I'm not an enemy combatant, and I am an innocent person, and I was proving that all the time for them. I answered all the questions that they asked me very seriously, and I answered very -- and I was cooperative, and I give them all the details.

And the Supreme Court, the United States, the highest justice level in the United States, they ruled my favor, which give us the proof that I am an innocent man. And if I was not an innocent man, I would not be speaking with you at this time.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: Hamdi was captured in Afghanistan in December of 2001, and became the central figure in that landmark terrorism case that was decided this year before the U.S. Supreme Court. This ruling was a setback to the Bush administration's legal approach to the war on terror -- Daryn.

KAGAN: The debates are behind them, and time is running out for undecided voters; 19 days and Americans choose a president.

CNN's Bill Hemmer watched last night's final debate with a group of voters to find out what they thought of the candidates and the issues.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: All across our country, go to Ohio...

HEMMER (voice-over): Few states have gotten the attention that Ohio is getting now. On the campus of The Ohio State University, 24 men and women were looking and listening for answers in this final debate, issues like tax cuts, health care and the war in Iraq.

On a scale from one to 10, with men in blue, women in yellow, we watched the meter rise and fall in real time. The economy is critical in the Buckeye state, and Senator Kerry scored well when he talked about increasing the minimum wage.

KERRY: And, America, this is one of the issues that separates the president and myself. We have fought to try to raise the minimum wage in the last years.

HEMMER: The president picked up strong support when he talked about crime and gun laws.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The best way to protect our citizens from guns is to prosecute those who commit crimes with guns.

HEMMER: In our 90-minute survey, women were scoring the senator higher, men were stronger for the president.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think Senator Kerry did a good job, because I feel safe with him. He's got more intelligence.

HEMMER: One voter made up her mind during this debate. She'll vote for President Bush.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just felt he was more honest and sincere throughout the debate.

HEMMER: The final tally from this group, seven say they will sot vote for the president, 10 for Senator Kerry, and after three presidential debates, seven still remain undecided.

Bill Hemmer, CNN, Columbus, Ohio.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: Treasury Secretary John Snow is fighting off criticism today from the Kerry campaign. Monday, Mr. Snow called it a, quote, "myth" that Mr. Bush will be the first president to preside over a job loss during his term since Herbert Hoover. Well today, Snow tried to clarify that comment.

Here it is: "I regret that recent remarks of mine have been misconstrued by critics of the administration," he says. "Let me be clear, I regret the loss of any job. I know what it is like to lose a job. I know it brings pain. That is why our focus every day is to put in place policies that will create jobs. In my comments, I was responding to criticism as the president's economic policies and unfounded comparisons that are being made. Those charges, he says, are simply not credible."

KAGAN: Coming up next, we asked to you send us our questions. And Right after the break, Dr. Funmi Olopade will answer them. We are addressing your concerns about breast cancer. That is just ahead.

SANCHEZ: And up later, Michael Jackson tries to strike back at the man investigating him in court. We're there at today's hearing, ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We are continuing our week long focus on breast cancer awareness.

SANCHEZ: And right now, we are going to try to answer some of your e-mail questions. Dr. Funmi Olopade is the director of the Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Dr. Olopade is with us once again from New York.

KAGAN: And, doctor, some great questions for you, get right to our e-mail from our viewers.

The first one, the woman writes in, "My mother had breast cancer about three years ago. I know I'm at risk. I'm 36 years old. When should I start getting mammograms and should I ask my doctor to do genetic testing? Is genetic testing readily available? Thank you for your help."

DR. FUNMI OLOPADE, CTR. FOR CLINICAL CANCER GENETICS: Absolutely. I think if you had a mother who had breast cancer at a young age, you definitely need to ask your doctor to refer you to a genetic counselor or an expert in genetics, and they will look at your family history, look at all the other risk factors, and then advise you about genetic testing.

The tests are readily available, but I recommend that all women get genetic counseling before considering the test.

KAGAN: But isn't that somewhat controversial, if you get genetic testing and find out you have the gene, and 10 years later you develop breast cancer. An insurance company can tell you it was a pre- existing condition, because you've known for 10 years.

OLOPADE: Actually one of the things we've done looking at genetics in the clinic is to protect patient's privacy. There are new laws trying to protect against genetic discrimination. If you go in to have genetic testing, that information is not going to be disclosed to anybody that you have not authorized to have that disclosure.

So I think there is concern about genetic discrimination, but the important thing is when women know about their risk, they can do something to prevent the risk. The options for early screening, and for that young woman, who's asking, when should I get a mammogram? She may need to have not only a mammogram, but all that imaging technologies that we're now using to help high-risk women beat the odds from dying from breast cancer.

SANCHEZ: Doctor, here's a simple one. It comes in from Kim in Charlotte, and she asks, "Are heavy-set women more at risk of getting breast cancer?"

OLOPADE: Very good question. We know that obesity plays a role in all cancers. And one of the risk factors for getting post- menopausal breast cancer is being overweight.

So our recommendation generally is women should engage in moderate exercises. They should, in fact, try to lose weight if they are overweight, and there's a lot that we don't know about the other factors other than genetics that contribute to breast cancer. So the good thing to do is do everything in moderation, eat right, exercise and drop those excess weight.

KAGAN: She says that with a smile on her face.

SANCHEZ: Yes, it's so easy.

KAGAN: Another question, this one is from T. Brown in Bowie, Maryland. She writes that, "She is an African-American woman who has been told by her gynecologist that breast feeding her children will result in a reduction of my risk for breast cancer. To what extent is my risk likely to be reduced, and how long should I continue breast feeding to achieve such a reduced risk.

OLOPADE: Very good question. We know that breast feeding is good for children, and it also helps women. And in fact, one of the things we have found in our studies is that African-American women are not breast-feeding their children enough, and we do know, all studies suggest that the longer a woman breast feeds, the lower their risk for breast cancer. So African-American young women at risk for breast cancer, I would say, do yourself a favor, nurse your children, and nurse as long as you can do it.

KAGAN: Thank you for the great advice in answering our questions and being with us for two hours today, doctor.

OLOPADE: Thank you.

SANCHEZ: He is an outspoken news commentator, and he is in the news himself today.

KAGAN: Bill O'Reilly at the center of a sexual harassment lawsuit. The story is coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Actress Elizabeth Taylor is at the center of a lawsuit over a pricey painting. Four descendants of a German woman are suing Taylor. They say that a Van Gogh painting owned by the actress was confiscated from a relative by the Nazis in the 1930s. Taylor says she hasn't seen any information that the painting was ever in the possession of the Nazis. The appraised value of the painting is between $10 million and $15 million.

Michael Jackson's lawyers are going to try to get evidence thrown out and his bail reduced at the hearing next hour.

CNN's Ted Rowlands has a preview from the courthouse. He's in Santa Maria, California.

Hi, Ted.

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Rick.

The hearing actually just got started about 10 minutes ago. Michael Jackson is not here today. So, as you might imagine, the atmosphere outside the courthouse, relatively calm, same situation inside the courtroom as well. There are a number of things on the to- do list today at this pretrial hearing.

Michael Jackson's defense team included Thomas Mesereau, his lead attorney, will ask the judge in this case, Rodney Melville, to reconsider bail in this case. Right now, it is set at $3 million. The defense thinks that is excessive. The prosecutor believes that Jackson is a flight risk. So they'll ask the judge to keep it at $3 million.

They're also asking the judge to force the prosecution to reveal the identity of the informant in the case. We're not quite sure of the importance of the informant or the information that that individual has given the prosecution. But the defense says tell us who this person is, or throw out the information that he's bringing to the case. That'll be heard today.

A hearing to recuse the Santa Barbara County district attorney, Tom Sneddon, was set to be heard today and possibly tomorrow. However, all indications are is that that will be tabled because of a situation, a miscommunication between the two sides, that both acknowledge the judge is expected to continue it until later this month.

We are still waiting a ruling on a very important evidence suppression motion and hearing that took place earlier this month and last month. That had to do with information that was taken from Bradley Miller, a private investigator in the case, and from the Neverland Ranch. We may get an indication of where that is today from the judge. Jackson, as I said, is not in court today. Right now, this trial is set to take place in late January, however, courtroom observers believe that because of the mountain of evidence in the case it will most likely be pushed back to later next year -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: CNN's Ted Rowlands, reporting to us from Santa Maria, California. Thank you, Ted.

KAGAN: Now the latest on Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly. He finds himself in the news today. He's being sued for sexual harassment, and he's fighting back.

Our Jason Carroll has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On the night of the last presidential debate, for Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly, politics would not be the first story in his show.

BILL O'REILLY, FOX NEWS ANCHOR, "THE O'REILLY FACTOR": But there comes a time when enough is enough. And so this morning, I had to file a lawsuit against some people who are demanding $60 million or they will -- quote -- "punish me and Fox News."

CARROLL: Faced with sexual harassment allegations against him, O'Reilly said he had no choice but to file a complaint claiming extortion. This in response to allegations made by Andrea Mackris, an associate producer for "The O'Reilly Factor." Mackris' suit, filed after her boss and Fox News filed theirs, alleges, on several occasions, O'Reilly made sexually explicit comments to her.

BENEDICT MORELLI, MACKRIS' ATTORNEY: And suddenly, without provocation or warning, Mr. O'Reilly said to the plaintiff, Andrea Mackris, and just use your vibrator to blow off steam. What? You've got a vibrator, don't you? Every girl does. CARROLL: Mackris spoke through her attorney to allege O'Reilly's inappropriate comments were made in person, over dinners and over the phone. Mackris' complaint contains detailed quotes allegedly from O'Reilly. O'Reilly's attorney says he'll ask the court to turn over copies of any recorded conversations, certain there is nothing incriminating. Her attorney would not say if there were any tapes.

O'Reilly's accuser worked at Fox News from April 2000 until January 2004. During which time, according to her complaint, O'Reilly allegedly made several sexually inappropriate comments. Mackris left Fox News and took a higher paying producer position at CNN. But in July 2004, she returned to "The O'Reilly Factor," working again for O'Reilly.

On condition, her complaint says, -- quote -- "he no longer engaged in inappropriate conduct." But Mackris alleges that conduct resumed. O'Reilly's attorney says none of the actions rise to the level of unlawful activity. O'Reilly says the suit is motivated by greed and politics.

MORELLI: Let me tell you, if it was politically motivated, I would have brought the lawsuit originally and not engaged in negotiations and discussions with their lawyers for the last two plus weeks.

O'REILLY: Sixty million dollars. I really can't say anything else. I don't want to waste your time with this. The justice system has the case. We'll see what happens.

CARROLL (on camera): Mackris' attorney would not comment on Fox's claim. He demanded $60 million hush money to prevent the filing of the sexual harassment lawsuit. He did say O'Reilly's extortion claim is without merit and that O'Reilly's behavior will be proven in court.

Jason Carroll, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: We have a breaking news story and some pictures that we're going to be sharing with you as well as we look at this situation. This is a live picture that you're looking at right now. This is Opa-Locka, Florida. It's part of what you would refer to usually as greater Miami, the northern part of what's called Miami- Dade County.

We're being told specifically that there was a high speed chase involving police and several suspects, as many as three of them. The suspects ended up in this school. When police realized the school children were still there at Our Lady of Perpetual Health, they immediately got the schoolchildren out. You can imagine what a frightening situation that was for the parents and for the children as well.

We understand now, and this is at last report we received, that they were able to go in there and literally get the bad guys out, again, three suspects we understand all taken into custody. No children have been hurt as a result of this situation.

And there's the picture now of the children being escorted out, we assume by possibly some of their teachers, maybe their parents, who have been called to the school.

The good news is the situation does seem to be under control now. This is Opa-Locka, Florida, an area that has known its crime statistics in the past. We will certainly follow the story, try and get the latest developments, and if there's anything new, we'll share it with you right away.

KAGAN: Breaking news from your home turf on your first day.

SANCHEZ: Yes, boy, look at that.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(WEATHER REPORT)

SANCHEZ: We've more pictures we can share with folks at home of the situation that's been developing in Opa-Locka, Florida.

We're seeing pictures now of some of the students here at Our Lady of Perpetual Health, literally being taken out of the school Last word is that the suspects have been apprehended, have been taken out of this particular building that you're looking at right there. Boy,that's great news for the parents and for the teachers involved, and that the children have been or will shortly be allowed back into the school.

So that's a development that happened there in Opa-Locka, Florida after a high-speed chase of some suspects. And for some reason, which by the way, we still don't know why they chose the school as a place to try and hide from police, but that's we're being told by officials. If there's any development on this story, we'll certainly bring it to you right away.

KAGAN: First day under your belt. Are you coming back tomorrow?

SANCHEZ: I was nervous.

KAGAN: You couldn't tell.

SANCHEZ: Can I admit that?

KAGAN: You can admit.

SANCHEZ: Is it OK to say that on national television.

KAGAN: Please come back tomorrow.

SANCHEZ: I will.

KAGAN: I need your help.

Rick Sanchez, great having you here. SANCHEZ: Thanks for having me.

KAGAN: That's going to do it for us, and for me, Daryn Kagan.

Fredricka Whitfield is in for Wolf Blitzer. You'll see her at the top of the hour, after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired October 14, 2004 - 11:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back to CNN LIVE TODAY. I'm Rick Sanchez.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Daryn Kagan.

Let's take a look at what is happening now in the news. It is Thursday, October 14th. President Bush attends a post-debate rally with Republican governors in Las Vegas today. Live coverage on CNN in about 90 minutes. The president will also campaign in Oregon a little bit later today.

Democratic challenger John Kerry is following up on last night debate's themes in a speech to the AARP this afternoon. The president will be in Las Vegas as well, but he is sending first lady Laura Bush to represent before the senior's group.

U.S. warplanes targeted two sites in Fallujah, Iraq today. American commanders linked both to insurgent leader Abu Musab Al Zarqawi. Iraqi officials are threatening an assault on Fallujah unless townspeople turn over Al Zarqawi.

And two explosions rock Baghdad today, killing five people. The cafe and markets were targets.

Keeping you informed, CNN is the most trusted name in news.

He was a U.S. citizen labeled an enemy combatant by his own government. Now Yasser Hamdi says he's not bitter about being jailed for three years in the United States. The Bush administration released Hamdi this week to Saudi Arabia, where he talked exclusively to CNN about this new freedom.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

YASER HAMDI, FMR. ENEMY COMBATANT: It feels great. It feels outstanding. And I can't really describe my feelings, especially after meeting with my parents, with (INAUDIBLE) more than three years -- more than three years being away from them. And it's something that I really can't describe at all.

And it's just -- to be locked down, then be given your freedom, you really know what the meaning of freedom. But when you be free before, you know, you really don't feel it. They take it away from you, and they give it to you back, you feel it, and it's something real different. I really want to say for the people that I was really hoping that my case would be solved earlier than that. I was hoping that the people and the American government would understand and take my case more seriously. And I was hoping that this would go more faster than the court system. And I was hoping to reach the Supreme Court faster and they would look at my case, because I believe that I was innocent, and I was locked down for the wrong reason.

I believe that I'm not an enemy combatant, and I am an innocent person, and I was proving that all the time for them. I answered all the questions that they asked me very seriously, and I answered very -- and I was cooperative, and I give them all the details.

And the Supreme Court, the United States, the highest justice level in the United States, they ruled my favor, which give us the proof that I am an innocent man. And if I was not an innocent man, I would not be speaking with you at this time.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: Hamdi was captured in Afghanistan in December of 2001, and became the central figure in that landmark terrorism case that was decided this year before the U.S. Supreme Court. This ruling was a setback to the Bush administration's legal approach to the war on terror -- Daryn.

KAGAN: The debates are behind them, and time is running out for undecided voters; 19 days and Americans choose a president.

CNN's Bill Hemmer watched last night's final debate with a group of voters to find out what they thought of the candidates and the issues.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: All across our country, go to Ohio...

HEMMER (voice-over): Few states have gotten the attention that Ohio is getting now. On the campus of The Ohio State University, 24 men and women were looking and listening for answers in this final debate, issues like tax cuts, health care and the war in Iraq.

On a scale from one to 10, with men in blue, women in yellow, we watched the meter rise and fall in real time. The economy is critical in the Buckeye state, and Senator Kerry scored well when he talked about increasing the minimum wage.

KERRY: And, America, this is one of the issues that separates the president and myself. We have fought to try to raise the minimum wage in the last years.

HEMMER: The president picked up strong support when he talked about crime and gun laws.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The best way to protect our citizens from guns is to prosecute those who commit crimes with guns.

HEMMER: In our 90-minute survey, women were scoring the senator higher, men were stronger for the president.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think Senator Kerry did a good job, because I feel safe with him. He's got more intelligence.

HEMMER: One voter made up her mind during this debate. She'll vote for President Bush.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just felt he was more honest and sincere throughout the debate.

HEMMER: The final tally from this group, seven say they will sot vote for the president, 10 for Senator Kerry, and after three presidential debates, seven still remain undecided.

Bill Hemmer, CNN, Columbus, Ohio.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: Treasury Secretary John Snow is fighting off criticism today from the Kerry campaign. Monday, Mr. Snow called it a, quote, "myth" that Mr. Bush will be the first president to preside over a job loss during his term since Herbert Hoover. Well today, Snow tried to clarify that comment.

Here it is: "I regret that recent remarks of mine have been misconstrued by critics of the administration," he says. "Let me be clear, I regret the loss of any job. I know what it is like to lose a job. I know it brings pain. That is why our focus every day is to put in place policies that will create jobs. In my comments, I was responding to criticism as the president's economic policies and unfounded comparisons that are being made. Those charges, he says, are simply not credible."

KAGAN: Coming up next, we asked to you send us our questions. And Right after the break, Dr. Funmi Olopade will answer them. We are addressing your concerns about breast cancer. That is just ahead.

SANCHEZ: And up later, Michael Jackson tries to strike back at the man investigating him in court. We're there at today's hearing, ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We are continuing our week long focus on breast cancer awareness.

SANCHEZ: And right now, we are going to try to answer some of your e-mail questions. Dr. Funmi Olopade is the director of the Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Dr. Olopade is with us once again from New York.

KAGAN: And, doctor, some great questions for you, get right to our e-mail from our viewers.

The first one, the woman writes in, "My mother had breast cancer about three years ago. I know I'm at risk. I'm 36 years old. When should I start getting mammograms and should I ask my doctor to do genetic testing? Is genetic testing readily available? Thank you for your help."

DR. FUNMI OLOPADE, CTR. FOR CLINICAL CANCER GENETICS: Absolutely. I think if you had a mother who had breast cancer at a young age, you definitely need to ask your doctor to refer you to a genetic counselor or an expert in genetics, and they will look at your family history, look at all the other risk factors, and then advise you about genetic testing.

The tests are readily available, but I recommend that all women get genetic counseling before considering the test.

KAGAN: But isn't that somewhat controversial, if you get genetic testing and find out you have the gene, and 10 years later you develop breast cancer. An insurance company can tell you it was a pre- existing condition, because you've known for 10 years.

OLOPADE: Actually one of the things we've done looking at genetics in the clinic is to protect patient's privacy. There are new laws trying to protect against genetic discrimination. If you go in to have genetic testing, that information is not going to be disclosed to anybody that you have not authorized to have that disclosure.

So I think there is concern about genetic discrimination, but the important thing is when women know about their risk, they can do something to prevent the risk. The options for early screening, and for that young woman, who's asking, when should I get a mammogram? She may need to have not only a mammogram, but all that imaging technologies that we're now using to help high-risk women beat the odds from dying from breast cancer.

SANCHEZ: Doctor, here's a simple one. It comes in from Kim in Charlotte, and she asks, "Are heavy-set women more at risk of getting breast cancer?"

OLOPADE: Very good question. We know that obesity plays a role in all cancers. And one of the risk factors for getting post- menopausal breast cancer is being overweight.

So our recommendation generally is women should engage in moderate exercises. They should, in fact, try to lose weight if they are overweight, and there's a lot that we don't know about the other factors other than genetics that contribute to breast cancer. So the good thing to do is do everything in moderation, eat right, exercise and drop those excess weight.

KAGAN: She says that with a smile on her face.

SANCHEZ: Yes, it's so easy.

KAGAN: Another question, this one is from T. Brown in Bowie, Maryland. She writes that, "She is an African-American woman who has been told by her gynecologist that breast feeding her children will result in a reduction of my risk for breast cancer. To what extent is my risk likely to be reduced, and how long should I continue breast feeding to achieve such a reduced risk.

OLOPADE: Very good question. We know that breast feeding is good for children, and it also helps women. And in fact, one of the things we have found in our studies is that African-American women are not breast-feeding their children enough, and we do know, all studies suggest that the longer a woman breast feeds, the lower their risk for breast cancer. So African-American young women at risk for breast cancer, I would say, do yourself a favor, nurse your children, and nurse as long as you can do it.

KAGAN: Thank you for the great advice in answering our questions and being with us for two hours today, doctor.

OLOPADE: Thank you.

SANCHEZ: He is an outspoken news commentator, and he is in the news himself today.

KAGAN: Bill O'Reilly at the center of a sexual harassment lawsuit. The story is coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Actress Elizabeth Taylor is at the center of a lawsuit over a pricey painting. Four descendants of a German woman are suing Taylor. They say that a Van Gogh painting owned by the actress was confiscated from a relative by the Nazis in the 1930s. Taylor says she hasn't seen any information that the painting was ever in the possession of the Nazis. The appraised value of the painting is between $10 million and $15 million.

Michael Jackson's lawyers are going to try to get evidence thrown out and his bail reduced at the hearing next hour.

CNN's Ted Rowlands has a preview from the courthouse. He's in Santa Maria, California.

Hi, Ted.

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Rick.

The hearing actually just got started about 10 minutes ago. Michael Jackson is not here today. So, as you might imagine, the atmosphere outside the courthouse, relatively calm, same situation inside the courtroom as well. There are a number of things on the to- do list today at this pretrial hearing.

Michael Jackson's defense team included Thomas Mesereau, his lead attorney, will ask the judge in this case, Rodney Melville, to reconsider bail in this case. Right now, it is set at $3 million. The defense thinks that is excessive. The prosecutor believes that Jackson is a flight risk. So they'll ask the judge to keep it at $3 million.

They're also asking the judge to force the prosecution to reveal the identity of the informant in the case. We're not quite sure of the importance of the informant or the information that that individual has given the prosecution. But the defense says tell us who this person is, or throw out the information that he's bringing to the case. That'll be heard today.

A hearing to recuse the Santa Barbara County district attorney, Tom Sneddon, was set to be heard today and possibly tomorrow. However, all indications are is that that will be tabled because of a situation, a miscommunication between the two sides, that both acknowledge the judge is expected to continue it until later this month.

We are still waiting a ruling on a very important evidence suppression motion and hearing that took place earlier this month and last month. That had to do with information that was taken from Bradley Miller, a private investigator in the case, and from the Neverland Ranch. We may get an indication of where that is today from the judge. Jackson, as I said, is not in court today. Right now, this trial is set to take place in late January, however, courtroom observers believe that because of the mountain of evidence in the case it will most likely be pushed back to later next year -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: CNN's Ted Rowlands, reporting to us from Santa Maria, California. Thank you, Ted.

KAGAN: Now the latest on Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly. He finds himself in the news today. He's being sued for sexual harassment, and he's fighting back.

Our Jason Carroll has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On the night of the last presidential debate, for Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly, politics would not be the first story in his show.

BILL O'REILLY, FOX NEWS ANCHOR, "THE O'REILLY FACTOR": But there comes a time when enough is enough. And so this morning, I had to file a lawsuit against some people who are demanding $60 million or they will -- quote -- "punish me and Fox News."

CARROLL: Faced with sexual harassment allegations against him, O'Reilly said he had no choice but to file a complaint claiming extortion. This in response to allegations made by Andrea Mackris, an associate producer for "The O'Reilly Factor." Mackris' suit, filed after her boss and Fox News filed theirs, alleges, on several occasions, O'Reilly made sexually explicit comments to her.

BENEDICT MORELLI, MACKRIS' ATTORNEY: And suddenly, without provocation or warning, Mr. O'Reilly said to the plaintiff, Andrea Mackris, and just use your vibrator to blow off steam. What? You've got a vibrator, don't you? Every girl does. CARROLL: Mackris spoke through her attorney to allege O'Reilly's inappropriate comments were made in person, over dinners and over the phone. Mackris' complaint contains detailed quotes allegedly from O'Reilly. O'Reilly's attorney says he'll ask the court to turn over copies of any recorded conversations, certain there is nothing incriminating. Her attorney would not say if there were any tapes.

O'Reilly's accuser worked at Fox News from April 2000 until January 2004. During which time, according to her complaint, O'Reilly allegedly made several sexually inappropriate comments. Mackris left Fox News and took a higher paying producer position at CNN. But in July 2004, she returned to "The O'Reilly Factor," working again for O'Reilly.

On condition, her complaint says, -- quote -- "he no longer engaged in inappropriate conduct." But Mackris alleges that conduct resumed. O'Reilly's attorney says none of the actions rise to the level of unlawful activity. O'Reilly says the suit is motivated by greed and politics.

MORELLI: Let me tell you, if it was politically motivated, I would have brought the lawsuit originally and not engaged in negotiations and discussions with their lawyers for the last two plus weeks.

O'REILLY: Sixty million dollars. I really can't say anything else. I don't want to waste your time with this. The justice system has the case. We'll see what happens.

CARROLL (on camera): Mackris' attorney would not comment on Fox's claim. He demanded $60 million hush money to prevent the filing of the sexual harassment lawsuit. He did say O'Reilly's extortion claim is without merit and that O'Reilly's behavior will be proven in court.

Jason Carroll, CNN, New York.

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SANCHEZ: We have a breaking news story and some pictures that we're going to be sharing with you as well as we look at this situation. This is a live picture that you're looking at right now. This is Opa-Locka, Florida. It's part of what you would refer to usually as greater Miami, the northern part of what's called Miami- Dade County.

We're being told specifically that there was a high speed chase involving police and several suspects, as many as three of them. The suspects ended up in this school. When police realized the school children were still there at Our Lady of Perpetual Health, they immediately got the schoolchildren out. You can imagine what a frightening situation that was for the parents and for the children as well.

We understand now, and this is at last report we received, that they were able to go in there and literally get the bad guys out, again, three suspects we understand all taken into custody. No children have been hurt as a result of this situation.

And there's the picture now of the children being escorted out, we assume by possibly some of their teachers, maybe their parents, who have been called to the school.

The good news is the situation does seem to be under control now. This is Opa-Locka, Florida, an area that has known its crime statistics in the past. We will certainly follow the story, try and get the latest developments, and if there's anything new, we'll share it with you right away.

KAGAN: Breaking news from your home turf on your first day.

SANCHEZ: Yes, boy, look at that.

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(WEATHER REPORT)

SANCHEZ: We've more pictures we can share with folks at home of the situation that's been developing in Opa-Locka, Florida.

We're seeing pictures now of some of the students here at Our Lady of Perpetual Health, literally being taken out of the school Last word is that the suspects have been apprehended, have been taken out of this particular building that you're looking at right there. Boy,that's great news for the parents and for the teachers involved, and that the children have been or will shortly be allowed back into the school.

So that's a development that happened there in Opa-Locka, Florida after a high-speed chase of some suspects. And for some reason, which by the way, we still don't know why they chose the school as a place to try and hide from police, but that's we're being told by officials. If there's any development on this story, we'll certainly bring it to you right away.

KAGAN: First day under your belt. Are you coming back tomorrow?

SANCHEZ: I was nervous.

KAGAN: You couldn't tell.

SANCHEZ: Can I admit that?

KAGAN: You can admit.

SANCHEZ: Is it OK to say that on national television.

KAGAN: Please come back tomorrow.

SANCHEZ: I will.

KAGAN: I need your help.

Rick Sanchez, great having you here. SANCHEZ: Thanks for having me.

KAGAN: That's going to do it for us, and for me, Daryn Kagan.

Fredricka Whitfield is in for Wolf Blitzer. You'll see her at the top of the hour, after the break.

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